| 1863-10-26 | Loudon Tenn. |
| Camp near London, Penn [Loudon, Tenn.] Oct. 26th 1863 Dear Parents This Monday afternoon finds me trying to write a few lines to you. I should have written yesterday but they told us there was no mail going out from here but it seems they have changed the arrangement for our mail boy tells us he is going to take it out this evening. We left Knoxville last Tuesday morning and Wednesday we marched within 4 miles of this place, and 5 miles of the way we marched through the hardest rain I have seen this fall. You may imagine how pleasant it was, the roads were so slippery we could hardly navigate. Thursday we were told to report on the west side of the Tennessee River as quick as possible. We marched the 5 miles in quick time expecting to meet the enemy but happily for us we were not moved to the front, consequently we have remained here for the last 3 days two of which were very unpleasant, it having rained all one day and part of the next but the mud is pretty well dried up and the weather is very pleasant. I have no news to write. The Rebels from every appearance want to recover this part of the country but are rather afraid to commence in earnest. They are only playing around. It has been reported that Genl Rosecrans has been removed, for what cause we cannot learn. I hope it is not true for he has done well with his command. We have not heard anything official from the elections but the report is that Curtis is elected by about 20,000 majority. I hope he is reelected for he is just the man who should have the position. I do not know what to write this evening for there is no news and I do not feel in a writing mood, so you will please excuse me this time if I do not write a letter. My health is exceedingly good. I am not as fleshy as usual but that cannot be expected for we do not get but half rations of bread, coffee, and shugar, but we get pay for all we do not draw. That will partly help replace what money we pay out for provisions. It is little that we can get to eat here. The country is pretty hard run for eatables. The Rebels stript her of all the surplus grain and a little more, and our army takes the rest and leaves the farmer but little for their own effort and their stock. I must close for if I don't I shall not be in time for the mail. Please write often as convenient. My respects to all enquiring friends. Direct as usual. This from your ever Affectionate Son .I.D. Strait | |